Fiber optic generator condition monitor - A condition monitoring system for use in monitoring a generator. The condition monitoring system includes a sensor including an ion chamber located inside the generator for sensing particulates inside the generator. The sensor provides an electrical sensor output to an output converter that is also located inside the generator. The output converter converts the electrical sensor output to a light signal output which is transmitted out of the generator. An energy conversion device is located within the generator for receiving light energy from a light source outside of the generator and converting the light energy to electrical energy for powering the sensor and the output converter.

2008-10-09

20080247703

SUBSTRATE FOR MOUNTING IC CHIP AND DEVICE FOR OPTICAL COMMUNICATION - The substrate for mounting an IC chip according to the present invention is a substrate for mounting an IC chip, where conductor circuits and insulating layers are formed and layered, an optical element is mounted, an optical path for transmitting an optical signal is formed, wherein an optical element sealing layer is formed so as to make contact with the periphery of the above described optical element.

Hermaphroditic u-guide alignment structures and method thereof - An integrated optical waveguide circuit apparatus having an optical processing area, waveguide ports for optical processing, and at least one waveguide structure, the at least one waveguide structure going around the optical processing area. Methods for making the integrated optical waveguide circuit apparatus are also disclosed.

2008-10-09

20080247706

OPTO-ELECTRONIC BOARD - An opto-electronic board including a printed wiring board with an optical waveguide, a metallic area, and a hole, wherein an abutting face of the optical waveguide and an abutting face of the metallic area form a part of the side face of the hole. The opto-electronic board further comprises an opto-electronic circuit with a bonding pad, wherein the opto-electronic circuit is arranged in the hole and soldered with its bonding pad to the abutting face of the metallic area.

2008-10-09

20080247707

OPTICAL SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - An optical semiconductor device includes a waveguide and a refractive index control portion. The waveguide has one or more first segments, one or more second segments and a plurality of third segments. The first segment has a region that includes a diffractive grating and another region that is a space region combined to the region. The second segment has a region that includes a diffractive grating and another region that is a space region combined to the region. A length of the second segment is different from that of the first segment. The third segment has a region that includes a diffractive grating and another region that is a space region combined to the region. A length of the third segment is shown as L

2008-10-09

20080247708

Optical waveguide device - The present invention has an object to provide an optical device capable of leading out a light propagated through an optical waveguide to a desired substrate side face while maintaining the sufficient power of the light, within a range of limited substrate size. To this end, according to the optical device of the present invention, a groove is formed in the vicinity of an end portion on the optical output side of the optical waveguide, on the substrate on which the optical waveguide is formed, a side wall of the groove is used as a reflecting plane, the light output from the optical waveguide is reflected by the reflecting plane, and the reflected light is emitted from the desired substrate side face.

2008-10-09

20080247709

Shading member-equipped optical connector plug - A compact, highly compatible shading member-equipped optical connector plug that makes the optical connector plug compact while having the compatibility to engage existing connector receptacles. The shading member includes a shutter housing enclosing a plug frame slidably on an outside thereof, and inserted into an engagement opening of a connector receptacle to be engaged when the shading member-equipped optical connector is connected, a shutter one end of which is supported by the shutter housing at a front part of the housing and another end of which is urged by an elastic force and closes so as to shade the optical fibers at a position in front of the ferrule, and an elastic member disposed between the plug frame and the shutter housing that urges said shutter housing forward.

2008-10-09

20080247710

Optical Connector and Optical Fiber Connecting System - An angle type optical connector enables a splicing operation of an optical fiber cable accurately and stably without requiring skilled labor and having a superior on-site installation property. An optical connector is provided with a splicing section for securely supporting an incorporated optical fiber securely supported at a ferrule and an optical fiber of an outside optical fiber cable in an end-abutting condition. The body of the optical connector is provided with a cable holding member able to hold an optical fiber cable. The cable holding member can be set at a temporary position where it makes an optical fiber of the optical fiber cable abut against the incorporated optical fiber at the splicing section in the state holding the optical fiber cable and bends a covered optical fiber of the optical fiber cable between the splicing section and the cable holding member by a pressing force in the lengthwise direction.

2008-10-09

20080247711

Attachment structure allowing movement and protection of a tether of a cable assembly - A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable and one or more attachment points to allow one or more tethers to optically connect to optical fibers within the cable. The cable assembly may be used as a drop cable for extending optical connections to a plurality of points. An attachment structure is provided for maintaining the tether to the cable to prevent damage to the tether. The attachment structure provides a loose attachment to allow the tether to move relative to the distribution cable, so the tether can move in a generally translational movement, is able to slightly twist, and to have limited lateral movement during coiling, installation, and removal of the cable assembly. This loose attachment structure may prevent damage to the tether due to forces being placed on the cable, such as during coiling or uncoiling of the cable. In one exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure is attached to the cable and receives the tether. In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure include a protective covering. In another embodiment, both are employed in combination.

2008-10-09

20080247712

Optical assemblies and their methods of formation - Provided are electronic device packages and their methods of formation. The electronic device packages include an electronic device mounted on a substrate, a conductive via and a locally thinned region in the substrate. The invention finds application, for example, in the electronics industry for hermetic packages containing an electronic device such as an IC, optoelectronic or MEMS device.

2008-10-09

20080247713

Optical transmission module and optical patch cable - An optical transmission module includes a ferrule with a built-in optical fiber, an optical member for reflecting or transmitting plural different wavelength optical signals, a first optical element for emitting an optical signal into the optical fiber via the optical member, a second optical element for receiving an optical signal from the optical fiber via the optical member, a package accommodating the first and second optical elements, a circuit substrate for driving the first and second optical elements, the circuit substrate being electrically connected to the package, a case accommodating the package and the circuit substrate, and an inclined portion provided in an inner surface of the case, the circuit substrate being mounted on the inclined portion.

2008-10-09

20080247714

Optical fiber/glass tube fusion-spliced structure, optical fiber assembly including the structure and glass tube used in the structure - An optical fiber/glass tube fusion spliced structure includes an optical fiber made of glass and a glass tube through which the optical fiber is inserted and at least in part of the optical fiber/glass tube fusion spliced structure, an outer circumference portion of the optical fiber and an inner circumference portion of the glass tube are fusion spliced. Part of the fusion spliced portion located in one of the optical fiber and the glass tube is formed of a material having a lower fusion point than a fusion point of part of the fusion spliced portion located in the other.

2008-10-09

20080247715

Installation Method of Optical Fiber Composite Electric Power Cable and Cable Structure Therefor - Disclosed is installation of an optical fiber composite electric power cable. An installation method of an optical fiber composite electric power cable includes installing an electric power cable including a conductor and an air-blown installation tube therein at an installation region; connecting tubes of adjacent electric power cables to each other, in an electric power cable connection box; and installing an optical fiber unit into the connected tubes by air pressure. Also, a cable structure used for installing the optical fiber composite electric power cable includes a conductor for electric power transmission; an insulator surrounding the conductor; an air-blown installation tube provided out of the insulator; and a corrosion-protective layer provided to an outermost layer of the cable.

2008-10-09

20080247716

Electooptical Communications and Power Cable - An electrooptical communications and power cable has at least one light waveguide, which is arranged in a central multifibre bundle consisting of a smooth flexible metal tube and provided with a primary jacket. Two layers of stranded metal wires are extended coaxially to the multifibre bundle. The metal wires are also used for relieving a traction and/or transversal load. The internal metal wire layer consists of metal wires exhibiting a good electric conductivity. The external metal wire layer has metal wires which are arranged alternately individually and/or group groupwisely and exhibit a good electrical conductivity and metal wires exhibiting a high traction strength. The two wire layers are held at a distance (a) from each other by an insulating layer. The communications and power cable is used first of all for an electrooptical power connection between two voltage converters in an intelligent system.

FIBER OPTIC CABLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO PREVENT HYDROGEN INGRESS - Purging interior regions of a cable reduces or prevents hydrogen darkening of an optical fiber located in the cable. While hydrogen may permeate through an outer surface of the cable, fluid circulating through the cable purges the hydrogen from within the cable. This circulation of the fluid occurs between an inner tube containing the fiber and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube.

2008-10-09

20080247719

CABLE ASSEMBLY WITH ACCESS POINT AND RIBBON STACK HANDLING - A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable having a ribbon stack therein, at least one network access location for accessing the ribbon stack, and a bonding fillant for locking an uncut portion of the ribbon stack to the cable at the network access location to prevent ribbon stack translation and rotation at the network access point relative to the tubular component. A method for eliminating optical fiber translation and rotation at a predetermined position within a fiber optic cable comprising providing a cable, forming an access location, filling exposed cable portions with a fillant, flowing the fillant, and curing the fillant to bond a length of the ribbon stack within the cable.

2008-10-09

20080247720

Cable assembly with access point - A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable having an optical ribbon stack therein, at least one network access location for accessing the ribbon stack, and at least one ERL insert assembly, which can include for example at least one resilient plug for holding one or more optical ribbons of the fiber optic cable at, or near, the network access location to inhibit optical ribbon stack movement and torque, for example, translation and/or rotation at the network access point. Also disclosed is a method for inhibiting optical fiber movement or torque, translation and/or rotation at a predetermined position within a fiber optic cable.

2008-10-09

20080247721

PHOTONIC BAND GAP FIBER AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME - A photonic band gap fiber is provided having multiple air holes in a silica portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the fiber. The fiber includes a cladding containing an air hole periodic structure in an extended triangular lattice configuration, wherein first rows each having a number of air holes at a first pitch are arranged alternately in the cross section of the fiber with multiple second rows of air holes each with multiple air holes at a second pitch which is twice the first pitch. The fiber further includes an air hole core.

Cable management panel with rear entry - A cable management panel including a chassis, a drawer, and a drop-in plate for managing fiber optic cables. The chassis provides rear cable access, the drawer provides side cable access. In one embodiment, the drop-in plate is positionable within the drawer in both a first orientation and a second orientation.

2008-10-09

20080247724

Recorded Content Management - A recorded content management system determines when recorded content maintained in a television-based entertainment and information system has been watched by a viewer. When a segment or percentage of the recorded content for a particular program is displayed for viewing, it is determined whether the program has been watched so that the recorded content, or a portion of the recorded content, can be queued for deletion, or maintained for additional viewing.

2008-10-09

20080247725

INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM CONTAINING MULTI-PATH DATA, AND STORAGE APPARATUS AND PLAYER THEREOF - A data recording and reproducing apparatus supporting multi-path recording reproduction, and an information storage medium on which multi-path data is recorded. The information storage medium includes at least one clip that is a recording unit containing presentation data for respective paths, wherein presentation data in a selected path is continuously reproduced without changing paths, and additional path information regarding a block of the path is recorded separately from the presentation data. Accordingly, it is possible to more effectively use a recording space and reduce the frequency of jumping to clips, thereby effectively reading the multi-path presentation data from the information storage medium.

2008-10-09

20080247726

VIDEO EDITOR AND METHOD OF EDITING VIDEOS - Disclosed are a method and apparatus for processing and uploading a video file The method of processing the video file comprises: providing an image editor comprising an integrated user interface, which comprises a preview monitor and an editing board, wherein a plurality of thumbnail images of a plurality of videos are displayed on the editing board; displaying a selected one of the plurality of videos or a still frame of the selected video on the preview monitor in response to a user's selection of the video and the user's command for playing the selected video; and editing the selected video so as to provide an edited version of the selected video in response to the user's editing command while or after displaying the selected video on the preview monitor.

2008-10-09

20080247727

System for creating content for video based illumination systems - A method for generating lighting includes selecting a video clip from a database of generic video clips, processing at least a portion of the video clip to create a customized video clip, sending the customized video clip to a light emitting array, and generating lighting from the light emitting array based on the customized video clip.

2008-10-09

20080247728

Video Player for Digital Video Server - A system for playing digital video at varying playback speeds can include a fetcher module configured to retrieve encoded pictures from a data store and an allocator module configured to selectively delete encoded pictures from an input cache. The system further can include a decoder module and an output cache module. The decoder module can decode pictures received from the input cache. The output cache module can store a plurality of decoded pictures and provide selected ones of the pictures as output. Pictures are processed within each of the modules according to a priority corresponding to each picture.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERNET ACCESS TO A PERSONAL TELEVISION SERVICE - A communication system and a family of methods for remote access to personal television service are disclosed. According to this invention, a remote personal TV service center provides centralized program guide information. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a digital video recorder which is connected to the personal TV service center via telephone modem or a network server. A user may access to the personal TV service center through a remote computer terminal or a personal digital assistant which is connected to a computer network. The user selects program events and programs the digital video recorder by using a graphical user interface installed in the front panel of the digital video recorder in case of local programming, or using a similar GUI which is incorporated into the Web pages presented to remote users by a Web server in case of remote programming. The media stream stored in one digital video recorder may be transferred to another digital video recorder. For data security protection during data transfer, all communication are authenticated and encrypted.

Recording Apparatus and Method, Reproducing Apparatus and Method, Recording Medium, and Program - The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and method, a reproducing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program for reproducing a video stream in a simpler method. A VOBU of an AV stream recorded on a recording medium includes, from the beginning thereof, navigation information, and then provider definition information followed by V_PCK, A_PCK, and S_PCK. The provider definition information contains closed GOP flag information, broken link flag, and I picture reproduction order information, the number of real frames, the number of reproduction frames, and progressive frame flag, related to the video data contained in the VOBU. A reproducing apparatus performs a reproduction process based on the provider definition information. The present invention is applicable to a reproducing apparatus of DVD.

2008-10-09

20080247733

Data Entry via On-Screen Display - A recording playback device having a database of recordings with titles, automatically enters a title input mode upon receiving character input from a user while a recording is being played if the there is not title in the database for the recording. Playback of the recording is not interrupted in the title input mode. In the case of a DVD player, the on-screen display mode is used to display the characters entered by the user on the same video display used for video content from the DVD.

2008-10-09

20080247734

MOTOR DRIVING CIRCUIT - A motor driving circuit drives a motor on receipt of an error signal having a digital value corresponding to a deviation between a current rotation speed of the motor, which is the subject to be driven, and its target value. A digital filter eliminates a high-frequency component of the error signal. A driving unit controls an electric current flowing through the motor in accordance with the digital value of the error signal from which the high-frequency component is eliminated by the digital filter. An upper-limit value setting unit sets an upper limit value to the digital value of the error signal input to the digital filter. The upper-limit value setting unit is configured to be capable of changing the upper limit value in accordance with a setting signal from the outside.

2008-10-09

20080247735

ADAPTIVE AND RECONFIGURABLE SYSTEM FOR DC MOTOR CONTROL - An integrated circuit for controlling a DC motor is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes at least one digital position and speed circuit (DPS) for providing measurements of speed, position, and direction of the motor, the DPS being in signal communication with the motor for receiving a pair of signals having a quadrature relationship; and at least one programmable gain amplifier (PGA) electrically coupled to the motor, the PGA being configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of current flowing through the motor and to apply a second signal to the motor for adjusting the speed of the motor; and at least two analog-to-digital converters (A/D), one A/D being used to quantize the output of the PGA for an off-chip processor; and another A/D to provide motor reference position from an analog sensor, such as a potentiometer; and at least two digital-to-analog converters (D/A), one D/A used to set the motor voltage; and another D/A used to set the motor current limit. The integrated circuit can be incorporated into a larger motor control loop which further includes a summing amplifier for providing the feedback signal to the motor that is indicative of current flowing through the motor; a buffer amplifier electrically for sensing the output current of the motor, and a processor for providing control signals to the system monolithic module and for receiving the measurements of speed, position, and direction of the motor.

2008-10-09

20080247736

Device for Emanating an Active Agent - A device for emanating an active agent to the atmosphere comprising a first container holding a first liquid, a second container holding a second liquid, a collector, and an active agent, wherein an outlet from each container deposits the first liquid and the second liquid onto the collector whereby the liquids mix and react to generate heat and thereby volatilise the active agent

Lamp heating apparatus and method for producing semiconductor device - A lamp heating apparatus has: a chamber having a transparent window and housing a substrate; a heating lamp for heating the substrate by radiant heat of a heating lamp through the transparent window; a radiation thermometer that optically detects the temperature of the substrate and has a sensing portion provided in the chamber; a radical generating portion for generating a radical outside the chamber and supplying the radical into the chamber; and a light quantity sensor for determining the time for cleaning the inside of the chamber from a cloudy state of the transparent window and the surface of the sensing portion. This lamp heating apparatus enables a series of operations including heat annealing of the substrate and cleaning of the inside of the chamber. According to this invention, a lamp heating apparatus that has good temperature uniformity and reproductivity of heat processing conditions is obtained.

IMAGE-TAKING APPARATUS - An image-taking apparatus is disclosed which achieves focusing in a reduce time with higher accuracy of an in-focus position search in a TV-AF method to minimize occurrence of unnatural focus changes. The image-taking apparatus includes an image-taking element, a first detector which outputs a focus evaluation value signal based on a predetermined frequency component of an output signal of the image-pickup element, a second detector which outputs a detection signal different from the focus evaluation value signal, and a controller which performs first processing of obtaining information for an in-focus position search of the focus lens based on the focus evaluation value signal. The controller performs second processing of obtaining information on an in-focus position based on the detection signal from the second detector, and performs third processing different depending on a comparison result between the information from the first processing and the information obtained from the second processing.

2008-10-09

20080247742

OPTICAL APPARATUS - An optical apparatus includes a detector detecting information used for focus control in each of a plurality of detection areas set in an image-pickup area, a selecting member being operated to change a selected area selected from the plurality of the detection areas, and a controller performing the focus control based on the information detected by the detector in the selected area. The controller determines a selectable detection area among the plurality of the detection areas based on the information used for the focus control detected in each of the detection areas and changes the selected area among the selectable detection areas in response to the operation of the selecting member. The optical apparatus reduces burdens in a selecting operation of the detection area for information used for the focus control and allows selection of an intended detection area quickly.

Image capturing apparatus, image capturing method, and program - An image capturing apparatus whose lens unit can be attached to and detached from a camera body section includes: an image-capturing signal processing section that generates an image signal by performing an image capturing process of subject light introduced via the lens unit; an attachment detecting section that generates a detection signal indicating whether or not the lens unit is attached to the camera body section; and a control section that determines whether or not the lens unit has been interchanged or detached and attached by using the detection signal, and performs a process of forming index data with respect to the image signal on the basis of a result of the determination.

2008-10-09

20080247745

CAMERA ASSEMBLY WITH ZOOM IMAGING AND METHOD - A method of imaging a scene with a camera assembly includes imaging a first portion of the scene to generate a first image corresponding to a field of view of the camera assembly when a component of the camera assembly that is in an optical pathway of the camera assembly is in a first position with respect to a housing of the camera assembly. The component is then moved to a second position with respect to the housing to change the field of view of the camera assembly and a second portion of the scene is imaged to generate a second image. The first and second images are stitched together to generate a stitched image that corresponds to a region of the scene that is larger than each of the first portion of the scene and the second portion of the scene.

2008-10-09

20080247746

Tripod Mounting, Stand, or Support Attachment, Accessory, or Mechanism for Cameras and Similar Devices or Objects - Most cameras have a tripod mounting hole in the bottom with a standard screw thread. All current tripods mount use a threaded fastener that screws into this hole and tightens the camera to a tripod or other auxiliary devices. Often, the tripod will mount a small intermediary part that can remain with the camera, but which allows the camera to be quickly removed from the tripod. This disclosure obviates the need for the intermediary part. Here are some of the main features and embodiments: “Expanding Rubber Bung”: A flexible elastomeric part or other material, that when tightened, expands in girth. “Pivoting metal Christmas tree”: Similar to the above concept, except that a hard material pivots out, to clamp the sides of the hole, once it has been easily inserted in its collapsed state. The following are some of the applications and examples of the current disclosure: cameras, video recorders, civil engineering equipment for leveling measurement or surveying, laser equipment for tracking, leveling calibration, or marking, optical equipment, astronomical equipment, telescopes, binoculars, lab equipment, or calibration equipment are some examples of tripod usage or similar setups, e.g. setups with more legs, different shapes, stands, supports, or foldable/mobile setups. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures.

2008-10-09

20080247747

Flexible circuit connection - An apparatus, with moving parts, having a flexible circuit configured such that its fatigue life is enhanced. The apparatus includes a first component, a second component, and a positioning mechanism between the first component and the second component. The positioning mechanism enables movement of the first component and the second component between at least a proximate position and a spaced-apart position. Also included between the first component and the second component is a flexible circuit that has a first end coupled to the first component and a second end coupled to the second component. The flexible circuit is configured as a compliant spring that can extend and collapse in a predefined shape when the components are spaced-apart and proximate, respectively.

2008-10-09

20080247748

POSITION CONTROLLER, DRIVING MECHANISM AND IMAGE PICKUP SYSTEM - In a position controller, a driving mechanism and an image pickup system according to the present invention, an operation of controlling a position of a movable member is performed by using, as a reference value, a first resistance value giving a first change point at which a resistance change rate per unit temperature change in a shape-memory-alloy member changes from a first rate to a second rate different from said first rate. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to control the position of the movable member based on a resistance of a shape-memory-alloy member, without a position sensor.

2008-10-09

20080247749

Camera Wrap Cover - Currently, there are many compact cameras from multiple vendors. These come in all shapes and sizes. The majority of the cases (e.g. for protection, security, and safety) on the market are generic loose-fitting cut-and-sew products. The camera is stowed in the case and then brought out to take a picture. The person then has to find a place to put the case while they take the picture and often the case becomes misplaced or damaged (e.g. by water or dirt). The solution that we are showing is a wrapping cover which is permanently attached to the camera (as one example), to protect the camera, for example. The cover wraps around the camera and forms a very close fitting protective cover for the camera. Because the user wraps the material around the camera, the size of the cover is as small as possible (for better stowing in pockets and purses (for better mobility and more convenience)). There are no extra air spaces because of a generically sized cover (in this example). The wrap cover is attached full-time to the bottom of the camera, using the standard tripod mounting hole that exists on the majority of cameras. When there is no mounting hole, there is a hook, ring, or similar attachment device that can perform the same function. When the person wants to take a picture, he/she simply unwraps the wrap cover, which then hangs below the camera, and then he/she takes the photograph. Other variations are also discussed.

2008-10-09

20080247750

Skin Cover for Cameras - As an example, we are introducing an elastomeric molded skin, that covers the camera and provides rigorous protection against drop, dirt, and general wear-and-tear on the camera. The skin covers most, many, or all possible surfaces and replicates the existing camera buttons with elastomeric/rubber buttons, which the user can press on, to activate all the existing functions of the camera, without exposing the buttons to any dirt or moisture. The skin has both open and “open-able” areas, to allow the user access to functional areas on the camera (in this example), e.g. to replace the battery or memory card. This is particularly useful for all SLR cameras, and compact cameras with one or more LCDs.

2008-10-09

20080247751

Printed circuit board assembly - A printed circuit board comprises at least one printed circuit board with at least one electrical contact and one circuit board connector. The circuit board connector includes a printed circuit board provided with one or several open tracks on at least one side for connection with electrical contact(s) of the printed circuit board.

2008-10-09

20080247752

Eye safety in electro-optical transceivers - An electro-optical transceiver module having at least one parallel optical transmit lane and at least one parallel optical receiver lane, the module comprising optical receiver lane signal detection circuitry to detect a loss of signal on one or more of the receive lanes, and optical transmit lane control circuitry to control a optical transmit lane corresponding to the receive lane, on which a loss of signal was detected to transmit a signaling mode optical signal indicating the loss of signal on the receive lane. In a multiple lane parallel optic embodiment, and by signaling a loss of a signal on a per lane basis, a break or fault in a sub-set of fibers of a parallel optical link will not result in the entire parallel optic link being lost.

2008-10-09

20080247753

Optoelectronic switch having cascaded optical nodes - An optical switch assembly is provided having a plurality of optoelectronic switching nodes. Each node is a three terminal optical device having a first optical input, a second optical input and an optical output. Each node can be electrically activated or deactivated via an electrical control input. Each node has a transmittance between its second optical input and its optical output. This transmittance depends on the signal at the first optical input if the node is activated, and is independent of the first optical input if the node is deactivated. Thus modulation at the first optical input can be selectively imposed on the optical output. The switch includes at least two chains of nodes, each chain having two or more nodes connected in series such that each pair of adjacent nodes is connected from optical output to second optical input. Switches according to the invention can be configured as optical crossbar switches or optical routers.

2008-10-09

20080247754

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING TIMESLOT FRAGMENTS OF MULTIPLE LINKS - A method and apparatus for adjusting timeslot fragments of multiple links in an Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON). The method includes the steps of: obtaining link information of multiple links necessary for timeslot fragment adjustment, calculating adjusted link information of each link according to the link information, and adjusting a timeslot allocation of each link according to the adjusted link information.

2008-10-09

20080247755

Circuit for Transmitting Signals in a Network Node, Particularly for a Channel Card for an Optical Wavelength Division Multiplex (Wdm) Signal Trasmitting Device - A circuit for transmitting signals in a network node, particularly for a channel card for an optical WDM signal transmission device, with a first holding device assigned to the local side of the network node, which can be freely equipped by means of a local-side transceiver unit and which has an internal transmitting port connection and an internal receiving port connection which, in case first holding device is equipped with local-side transceiver unit, are connected to the respective transmitting or receiving ports of local-side transceiver unit, with two additional holding devices assigned to the remote side of the network node having similar ports.

METHOD OF CONTROLLING DEVICE BY USING UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL - A method of controlling a device with a universal remote control includes obtaining and storing an image of an operation panel of a remote control that controls the device, assigning a control command received to control the device to an input key area contained in the image, storing the input key area and the assigned control command, displaying the image of the operation panel of the remote control, and outputting the assigned control command in response to a touch signal is input to the input key area.

2008-10-09

20080247758

Position determination system using radio and laser in combination - A combined radio and laser positioning system comprising: a network of ground based radio communication devices, a laser transmitter configured to generate at least one laser beam, and at least one user unit. Each user unit comprises a radio receiver configured to receive at least one ranging radio signal transmitted by at least one ground based radio communication device, a laser detector configured to receive at least one laser beam generated by the laser transmitter, and a processor configured to convert a set of data including: {a set of data transmitted by at least one ranging radio signal, and a set of data transmitted by said at least one laser beam} into position coordinates of the user unit, wherein a set of vertical coordinates of the user unit is obtained with a laser-assisted (LA) accuracy.

2008-10-09

20080247759

DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AD HOC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - The current options for wireless communication have changed the way people work and the way in which networks can be deployed. However, there remains unresolved problems in the setup and configuration of wireless communication links. Both known cellular and ad hoc wireless networking protocols and systems are deficient in that the ability for users to communicate without a priori knowledge of MAC addresses (represented by phone numbers, IP addresses and the like) is limited or may be compromised in a hostile environment. In contrast, provided by aspects of the present invention are devices, systems and methods for establishing ad hoc wireless communication between users that do not necessarily have MAC addresses and the like for one another. In some embodiments, a first user visually selects a second user and points a coherent light beam at an electronic device employed by the second user. Data specific to the first user is modulated on the coherent light beam, which can then be demodulated when the coherent light beam is received by the electronic device of the second user.

2008-10-09

20080247760

SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS ALARM REPORTING - A system for wireless alarm reporting is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network interface device (NID) having a translator element to convert an optical signal supplied by a communication system to one or more electrical signals supplied to one or more communication devices served by the NID, and a wireless transmitter to transmit a notice to a portable alerting device responsive to a UPS asserting an alarm. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

2008-10-09

20080247761

Pluggable optical transceiver with command line pulled up to external power supply - A pluggable optical transceiver with a function not affecting the command status of the host system appeared in the internal bus, which is coupled with the command line within the transceiver, even when the transceiver is plugged in the host system. The optical transceiver provides a power supply circuit and a control unit. The power supply circuit, by receiving an external electric power, generates an internal electric power with a substantial time lag from a moment when the optical transceiver is plugged in the host system. The control unit communicates with the host system through the command line pulled up to the external electric power within the optical transceiver.

2008-10-09

20080247762

Pluggable optical transceiver - The present invention provides a new releasing mechanism form a cage on the host system for a pluggable optical transceiver. The transceiver includes an optical receptacle, an actuator with a hook that latches with the key hole of the cage, a bail attached so as to rotate in front of the receptacle and a release button. Rotating the bail or pushing the button will bring the seesaw motion of the actuator that disengages the hook with the keyhole and the transceiver is enabled to be extracted from the cage by picking the bail positioned in front of the receptacle.

2008-10-09

20080247763

CHIRPED LASER WITH PASSIVE FILTER ELEMENT FOR DIFFERENTIAL PHASE SHIFT KEYING GENERATION - A method for generating D-N-PSK optical signals is disclosed wherein a laser is modulated to generate optical signal pairs including phase modulated and fixed phase portions, the phase modulated portions having a frequency encoding one or more data symbols and the fixed phase portion having a carrier frequency and a phase corresponding to the immediately preceding phase modulated portion. The output of the laser is passed through an optical spectrum reshaper having a transmission function chosen to attenuate a plurality of the phase modulated portions relative to the fixed phase portions. The phase modulated portions may have N frequency levels located on either side of the carrier frequency. One of the N frequency levels may be equal to the carrier frequency.

2008-10-09

20080247764

Method and System For Synchronising an Optical Transmitter With an Optical Modulator - A method of synchronising an optical transmitter and modulator comprising transmitting a calibration sequence of pulses from the transmitter to the modulator; varying a control timing drawn from the set comprising the transmit interval timings and the modulator transmission interval timings; monitoring the resulting pulses transmitted by the modulator and selecting a preferred control timing; controlling the optical transmitter and/or modulator responsive to the selected control timing. Corresponding apparatus, systems, signals and programs for computers to implement or control the arrangement are also provided.

2008-10-09

20080247765

POWER SOURCE FOR A DISPERSION COMPENSATION FIBER OPTIC SYSTEM - This invention generally relates to an optical filter for a fiber optic communication system. An optical filter may be used, following a directly modulated laser source, and converts a partially frequency modulated signal into a substantially amplitude modulated signal. The optical filter may compensate for the dispersion in the fiber optic transmission medium and may also lock the wavelength of the laser source.

2008-10-09

20080247766

PIN/TIA SYSTEM FOR USE IN FTTx APPLICATIONS - A system is disclosed for an improved ROSA that has increased sensitivity for permitting greater numbers of ONTs to be connected to an optical network per defined transmission line distances. ROSA configuration includes a digital optical module with improved performance characteristics. This digital optical module has replaced a conventional photodiode with a PIN detector that is coupled with the TIA. The resulting the digital optical module containing this PIN/TIA configuration when incorporated in a ROSA provides a single ROSA solution that will meet or exceed the ITU/IEEE FTTx standards for short and long distances under substantially all operating conditions.

2008-10-09

20080247767

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRIORITIZED SERVICING OR MAINTENANCE OF NETWORKED PRINTERS - Methods and systems are presented for prioritizing service or maintenance of networked printers based on affinities between printers and users determined from job tracking data so that printers shared by large numbers of users or high volume printers used by only one or a few users can be serviced or maintained before other printers to provide overall printer support while mitigating user disruption due to unavailable printers.

2008-10-09

20080247768

Image Forming Apparatus, MFP and Method of Displaying Jam Removal Guidance - An image forming apparatus may include an image forming device to form and fix an image on a paper, a paper conveyer to convey the paper from a sheet feeder through the image forming device to a finisher, at least one door configured to uncover and cover a part of the paper conveyer, a jam detector to detect whether a jam occurs in the paper conveyer, at least one door sensor to detect whether each door is open or closed, a display, a memory, and a controller to control the jam detector, the door sensor and the display. The controller may be configured to execute control to display a jam detection result detected by the jam detector and jam removal guidance, corresponding to the jam detector which detects the jam occurring in the paper conveyer, based on the information of preset display orders of the jam removal guidance.

2008-10-09

20080247769

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus capable of keeping reproducibility and gradation in balance and outputting high-quality images. A primary electrostatic charger charges a photosensitive drum. A polygon scanner irradiates the drum with a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the drum. A developing device develops the latent image into a toner image by applying a developing bias to the drum. In performing development by the developing device at a preset environmental contrast potential, a CPU determines a required contrast potential for obtaining a target maximum density. The CPU compares between the environmental contrast potential and the required contrast potential. Further, the CPU sets an upper limit value for a set contrast potential to be set to the developing device according to the result of the comparison, and sets an output level of the laser light to be output from the developing device.

2008-10-09

20080247770

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MARKING TEST PATCHES FOR CALIBRATING AND/OR VISUALLY CONFIRMING COLOR ACCURACY OF A MARKING DEVICE - A printer or other marking device forms a first desired image in a first area, such as a main image area, of a first substrate; forms a first portion of a set of test patches in a margin area of the first substrate; forms a second desired image in a first area, such as a main image area, of a second substrate; and forms a second portion of the set of test patches in a margin area of the second substrate. A measuring device such as a spectrophotometer may be used to measure each test patch, and based on the measured values, a color calibration is performed for use in a subsequent marking operation. The color calibration may include generating or modifying a tone reproduction curve based on the measured values. The margin areas may be later trimmed off, thereby removing the portion of the substrates on which the test patches are formed.

2008-10-09

20080247771

Image Forming Apparatus, Image Forming System, and Image Forming Method - An image forming apparatus includes a turnable image bearing body for bearing a latent image; a turnable developer bearing body for bearing liquid developer, the developer bearing body and the image bearing body being pressed in contact with each other at a predetermined press-contact position, the developer bearing body being capable of carrying the liquid developer toward the press-contact position by turning, the image forming apparatus performing development of the latent image, which is bore by the image bearing body, with the liquid developer that has been carried toward the press-contact position; and a controller for causing the development of the latent image to start after a predetermined period of time has passed from when the turning speed of the developer bearing body and the image bearing body reached a predetermined turning speed for development at which the development is performed.

2008-10-09

20080247772

XEROGRAPHIC COPYING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING MOTOR - In a xerographic copying apparatus of the invention, a control unit to control a stepping motor to cause rotation of an image supporting body to synchronize with running of a transfer medium performs acceleration and deceleration of a rotation speed of the image supporting body while the image supporting body is rotating in a reverse rotation direction, and accordingly, paper powder or foreign matter accumulated in a cleaning mechanism to clean a developer on the image supporting body can be collected, the occurrence of abnormal noise is prevented, and a definite amount of reverse rotation of the image supporting body can be realized while avoiding damage of the image supporting body due to a speed difference between the image supporting body and the transfer medium.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus having an image forming section, a sheet storage space, and a dehumidifier device which dehumidifies the sheet storage space includes the dehumidifier device which has a dehumidifier member of a heating regeneration type, a dry space being dehumidified by the dehumidifier member, a regeneration space regenerating the dehumidifier member, a heating section provided in the regeneration space and heating to regenerate the dehumidifier member, a driving section transferring the dehumidifier member in a route between the dry space and the regeneration space, and a partition member dividing the dehumidifier member into a plurality of parts and enabling to partition the dry space and the regeneration space.

2008-10-09

20080247775

Device and method for spooling a cartridge toner seal - A method of remanufacturing a seal spooling mechanism of a printer cartridge, the printer cartridge defining a seal passage, the seal passage providing access to a toner port of the cartridge to be covered by a toner seal, the seal spooling mechanism comprising a spool where a first toner seal may be wound, the seal spooling mechanism further comprising a spool frame where the spool may be mounted, the method comprising detaching the spool frame from the printer cartridge; inserting a second toner seal through the seal passage; sealing the toner port with the second toner seal, the second toner seal comprising a toner seal extension configured to extend out of the seal passage upon sealing the toner port; winding the toner seal extension around the spool; providing a replacement spool frame, the replacement spool frame being configured to be attached to the printer cartridge at a location that is different from the location where the spool frame was previously attached on the printer cartridge; and attaching the spool to the replacement spool frame.

2008-10-09

20080247776

Image forming device and detachably loaded process unit - A developing unit is detachably mounted on a photosensitive unit to form a combined unit called a process unit. In use, the process unit is loaded into an electrophotographic image forming device. A rotational shaft of a photosensitive drum projects out from the photosensitive unit. When the process unit is loaded into the image forming device from a top open space, both ends of the rotational shaft are engaged with a pair of guides formed in side walls of the image forming device and guided down along the guides. The process unit is accommodated in an accommodating section when both ends of the rotational shaft have been brought into abutment with stops at the ends of the guides and a trailing end of the process unit is rotated downward about the rotational shaft.

2008-10-09

20080247777

Switching Device and System - A heating assembly for a printing device includes a heating device configured to be energized or deenergized. A switching device includes a bimetallic element efficiently thermally coupled to the heating device and configured to deenergize the heating device in a defined period of time in the event of an over temperature condition.

2008-10-09

20080247778

CONDUCTIVE RUBBER MEMBER - An object of the present invention is to provide a conductive rubber member which exhibits small environmental dependency and stable electrical resistance. The conductive rubber member is formed of a conductive elastic layer which has been imparted with conductivity by means of a conductivity-imparting agent. The conductive elastic layer has, at a surface portion thereof, a surface-treated layer which has been formed through impregnating the surface with a surface-treatment liquid containing an isocyanate component and an ion-conducting polymer.

2008-10-09

20080247779

Belt support roller design - This is a specifically configured roller used in a belt transport system that minimizes ripples or wrinkles in the belt. Based upon a roller having a cylindrical configuration and a one inch diameter, the roller has a concave shape having a 0.005 to 0.1 inch smaller diameter in the center compared to the end portion diameters.

2008-10-09

20080247780

ENDLESS BELT, ENDLESS BELT SUSPENDING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE SAME - The invention provides an endless belt for an image forming apparatus, the endless belt having at least: a belt body; a convex member; and a bonding portion for bonding the belt body and the convex member, the bonding portion having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about −10° C. or less. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is preferably about −60° C. or less. The invention further provides a belt suspending apparatus for an image forming apparatus, the belt suspending apparatus having at least: the endless belt; and a plurality of suspending members for suspending the endless belt rotatably in a tensioned state from the inner surface side of the endless belt. The invention further provides an image forming apparatus having at least the endless belt.

2008-10-09

20080247781

BELT DRIVE CONTROLLING DEVICE, BELT DEVICE USING THE BELT DRIVE CONTROLLING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS USING THE BELT DEVICE - A belt drive controlling device for controlling drive of an endless belt supported and driven by plural support rollers including a driving roller configured to drive the endless belt to rotate; and a driven roller which is rotated by the endless belt. The device performs arithmetic processing to extract one of two pieces of rotation variation information on two rollers of the support rollers, and perform controlling drive of the belt on the basis of the rotation variation information. A belt device including a belt, plural support rollers, a driving source, the belt drive controlling device, and a detector configured to detect rotation angular displacement or rotation angular velocity of two of the support rollers. An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member, a developing device and a transfer device, wherein the image bearing member and/or the transfer device includes the belt device.

2008-10-09

20080247782

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus including a primary transfer unit to transfer toner images of plural colors on image carriers onto an intermediate transfer member; a secondary transfer unit to transfer the toner images onto a transfer material; and a pre-secondary transfer discharge unit to discharge charges of the toner images, wherein the discharge unit includes a scorotron having a grid electrode and a discharging electrode; an opposing electrode opposed to the grid electrode through the intermediate transfer member; a first voltage unit to apply a reverse polarity voltage of the toner images to the discharging electrode; a second voltage applying unit to apply a same polarity voltage of the toner images to the grid electrode; a cleaning unit of the grid electrode; a current detecting unit; and a controller to control a timing to clean the grid electrode according to the detected current.

2008-10-09

20080247783

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING METHOD AND DEVELOPING AGENT - In an image forming apparatus containing a developing device containing a toner housed therein and feeding the toner onto a photoreceptor to form a toner image, and a cleaning blade removing the toner remaining on the photoreceptor after transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor to a transfer medium, a toner having a particle diameter of from 5 to 8 μm and a degree of circularity of from 0.925 to 0.965 and having a lubricant added to a surface thereof in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.125 wt % is used, and the cleaning blade has a hardness of from 60 to 80, a 300% modulus of from 100 to 420 kg/cm

2008-10-09

20080247784

DEVELOPER CONTAINER, DEVELOPING APPARATUS AND PROCESS CARTRIDGE - A developer container for an image forming apparatus includes a developer accommodating chamber, provided with an opening, for accommodating a developer to be supplied to the opening; a feeding member, provided in the developer accommodating chamber and having an elasticity, for feeding the developer by rotation thereof; a deforming portion, provided in the developer accommodating chamber and contactable to the feeding member, for deforming the feeding member against the elasticity with the rotation of the feeding member; and a restoration portion for permitting the feeding member deformed by the deformed portion to restore elastically, thereby to throw the developer toward the opening, wherein a boundary portion between the deformed portion the restoration portion is disposed below a lower end of the opening.

2008-10-09

20080247785

PATTERN FORMING APPARATUS AND PATTERN FORMING METHOD - A pattern forming apparatus brings a masking panel having a pattern-like through hole into tight contact with the inside surface of a front panel, and positions the through hole to the inside of a recess of the front panel. In this state, liquid developer is supplied through a developing roller, and an electric field passing through a developing recess where the recess and through hole are continued. Therefore, charged developer particles are collected in the developing recess, and the recess of the front panel is developed.

2008-10-09

20080247786

DEVELOPING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A disclosed developing device includes a developer carrier including a developing sleeve and a magnetic roller provided inside the developing sleeve. The magnet roller includes a regulating magnetic pole and a pump-up magnetic pole that have different polarities from each other. Among an entire region of the moving surface of the developing sleeve in the surface movement direction, a maximum pump-up magnetic force position where the pump-up magnetic force of the pump-up magnetic pole is maximum faces an upstream position with respect to a supplying position at which the developer is supplied from a supplying screw to the developing sleeve.

2008-10-09

20080247787

Positive Charge Control Resin for Electrophotographic Functional Component Parts, Developing Roller, and Electrophotographic Apparatus - To provide a positive charge control resin with which an electrophotographic functional component part coming into contact with a toner can be made chargeable in a polarity reverse to the polarity of the toner, and which has superior dispersibility in, and compatibility with, a main binder. The present invention is a positive charge control resin having a copolymer obtained by polymerizing specific acrylate or methacrylate monomer, amino-group-containing monomer(s) and carboxyl-group-containing monomer(s) as copolymerization components.

2008-10-09

20080247788

CYAN TONER, MAGENTA TONER, YELLOW TONER, BLACK TONER, AND FULL-COLOR IMAGE-FORMING METHOD - Provided are a toner containing at least a binder resin and a colorant, the toner having a specific hue angle and an absorbance at a specific wavelength in reflectance spectrophotometry, and a full-color image-forming method involving the use of the toner, the method including the steps of: forming an electrostatic image on a charged electrostatic image bearing member; developing the formed electrostatic image with the toner to form a toner image; transferring the formed toner image onto a transfer material; and fixing the transferred toner image to the transfer material to form a fixed image.

2008-10-09

20080247789

FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A fixing device includes a fixing roller, a fixing belt which is made to rotate by a rotation force received from the fixing roller, a nip forming unit to form a nip zone at a contact area between the fixing roller and the fixing belt, and a first heating unit, which is separated from the nip zone, to apply heat to the fixing belt. The nip zone and the heating unit are separated, so that the heating unit can be prevented from being broken as a result of the pressurization and thermal deformation.

DEVELOPER LEVEL CONTROL BLADE AND PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING DEVELOPER LEVEL CONTROL - A developer level control blade is provided which can form a developer layer on a developer carrying member in a proper thickness and in a uniform state and can keep the developer, in particular, color toner particles from melt-adhering to the charge control face so that faulty images such as lines and non-uniformity can be kept from occurring. Also provided is a process for manufacturing this developer level control blade. The process for manufacturing the developer level control blade is characterized by having the steps of extruding a blade member material melted to liquefy, covering therewith a support member thin-plate metal member at an edge portion thereof to join the both together, and cooling the blade member material to solidify, followed by cutting in a preset length.

2008-10-09

20080247792

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In an image forming apparatus having driving conditions for plural image forming modes such as color and monochrome, when an original with a blank sheet (inter-sheet) inserted at an arbitrary position therein is to be printed, the image forming mode for the position where the blank sheet is inserted is properly determined and a transfer belt is caused to contact and separate from an image carrier related to image formation, thereby improving printing productivity.

2008-10-09

20080247793

Image Forming Apparatus - An image forming apparatus includes a recording sheet storage unit for storing recording sheets substantially in an upright position, an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording sheet conveyed from the recording sheet storage unit, and a recording sheet receiving unit for storing the recording sheet conveyed from the image forming unit substantially in an upright position. In this image forming apparatus, a paper conveyance passage for conveying the recording sheet extends upward from a lower portion of the recording sheet storage unit toward the recording sheet receiving unit. The image forming unit positioned on the paper conveyance passage comprises a fixing device and a developer unit at least including a developer carrier, and the fixing device is arranged above the developer unit.

COLOR IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND TONER REPLENISHING APPARATUS - The color image forming apparatus comprises a transfer belt device which feeds a transfer member such as a paper and a plurality of image forming units. The image forming units are disposed facing toward the transfer belt device. The transfer belt device, at least in a portion in which the image forming units have been disposed, is arranged such that it is inclined with respect to the ground. Each of the image forming unit forms a desired image and sequentially transfers the formed image on the transfer member fed by the transfer belt device.

2008-10-09

20080247796

SDM AUTOMATIC CONTROL ALGORITHM - A device, method and program for automatically adjusting a paper curl of media in an imaging device are provided. The imaging device includes a decurler having two rollers defining a nip. A first roller has a substantially uncompressible surface, and a second roller has a substantially compressible surface. The first roller penetrates the second roller at the nip. The amount of curl of the media is adjusted at the nip by automatically adjusting the penetration of the second roller into the first roller. The amount of penetration of the second roller into the first roller is based on a set of factors and conditions. A penetration value based on the factors and conditions is used to adjust the position of the first roller and the second roller respective to each other, which in turn, will alter or reduce the media curl to a target curl.

2008-10-09

20080247797

Recording Medium Deburring Apparatus and Image Forming Apparatus - The recording medium deburring apparatus is provided with: a transporting device that transports a recording medium; and a pressure applying device that applies pressure to edge portions of the recording medium. The edge portions are in parallel to a transporting direction of the recording medium transported by the transporting device.

2008-10-09

20080247798

Tape Printing Apparatus - A tape printing apparatus, comprising a port for connecting to external apparatus; a first memory for storing label data defining at least one label; and a second memory comprising program information.

2008-10-09

20080247799

THERMAL PRINTER HEAD WITH PRINT CONTROL DEVICES - A thermal printer head and print control device capable of controlling what is printed onto a voucher, which includes a printer head and an image control sensor placed in an upper part of the printer head, and including an electronic card on a control unit and cables for connecting the image control sensor to the electronic card and the control unit.